3α-Androstanediol glucuronide (3α-ADG) is a metabolite formed from human androgens; compounds involved in the development and maintenance of sexual characteristics. It is formed by the glucuronidation of 3α-androstanediol, which is the product of reduction of the sex hormone, dihydrotestosterone, and has been proposed as means of measuring androgenic activity.
Formation 3α-androstanediol glucuronide is produced by the action of glucuronidase enzymes on 3α-androstanediol, itself a metabolite of dihydrotestosterone:
In women, the adrenal steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone are the major precursors of plasma 3α-ADG, accounting for almost the totality of circulating 3α-ADG. Levels of 3α-ADG decrease significantly with age.
3α-ADG is used as a marker of target tissue cellular action. 3α-ADG correlates with level of 5α-reductase activity (testosterone and 3α-androstanediol to dihydrotestosterone) in the skin. Concentrations of 3α-ADG are associated with the level of cutaneous androgen metabolism.
See also 3β-Androstanediol Androsterone glucuronide Etiocholanolone glucuronide
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